Burlington Democratic chairman endorses Conaway for Congress

Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-Delran)’s bid for Congress got a major endorsement today from Burlington County Democratic chairman Joe Andl, who leads by far the largest party organization in the 3rd congressional district.

“Dr. Herb Conaway is a vital leader in our community,” Andl said in a statement. “From his work as physician, to the halls of the Assembly, to his tireless efforts serving the residents of Burlington County as Health Director during the pandemic, Dr. Conaway will be a tireless advocate for our families in Washington. I am proud to lend my enthusiastic support and personal endorsement to his campaign for Congress.”

The endorsement is a setback for Conaway’s main Democratic primary opponent, Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (D-Mount Laurel). Both Conaway and Murphy represent the same Burlington County-based district in the legislature, though Conaway’s 26-year tenure far outstrips Murphy’s six years in the Assembly.

Unlike in some counties, however, the power of the party chair is not absolute in Burlington County. Andl’s personal endorsement does not guarantee that rank-and-file county committeemembers will fall in line behind Conaway, and Murphy will still be able to seriously compete at the Burlington Democratic convention next spring. 

Andl isn’t the most powerful figure inside his own organization, either; that title instead belongs to State Sen. Troy Singleton (D-Delran), Conaway’s and Murphy’s running mate in the 7th legislative district. Singleton, who passed on a congressional bid of his own, has not made an endorsement in the race.

Nonetheless, Andl’s endorsement is an early indicator of momentum for Conaway less than a week after the assemblyman launched his campaign.

The 3rd district, which is open thanks to Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown)’s campaign for Senate, includes nearly all of Burlington County as well as smaller parts of Mercer and Monmouth Counties. The South Jersey Democratic organization, with which Carol Murphy has close ties, may also get involved in the race.

Either Conaway or Murphy would be significantly favored to win a general election in the district, which was once highly competitive but was redrawn after the 2020 Census to be far more Democratic. If elected, Conaway would be South Jersey’s first Black congressman, while Murphy would be the region’s first congresswoman.